September was the last month of BC—Before Child. This is what went down.
HAD ON DECK
Aaron Levine Quarter-Zip
A swipe in May with high hopes and dreams of wearing it all fall. It’s earned its spot on the thing on your staircase that George Bailey always ripped off. It’s cozy, big in all the right places without getting sloppy, and the shell logo is cool, not billboard.
I’m at the point where I’m probably in it too much and will dry-clean it because some things are too precious for the communal washer/dryer.
Asbury Park
Living in a beach town when you hate the beach is a choice, but Asbury did its thing this month. When the summer crowd dies down and the weather is still nice, it gives you the perfect backdrop to romp, eat and drink before the bone-chilling months.
It’s important to do your steps.
Magnanni Boots
I just took these off my feet to figure out what they are: Magnanni boots with great round laces that I can’t keep tied. I’ve had them for probably five or six years. They were the first thing I think I ever hit “notify me” on and then actually purchased—in Sapporo Sushi on Richmond Ave, to be exact.
You never forget your first.
SWIPED FOR
New Birks
I didn’t technically buy these, but in a month where swiping was low, my wife gifted them to me. It takes a lot for her to admit I need something new to wear, but my last pair was so disgraceful. My experienced foot felt foreign in the virgin soft footbed.
Sea.Hear.Now Tickets
I did a Facebook Marketplace for this—no swiping. A crisp $100 bill given to a lady while her husband stood on the porch and she explained why her friend couldn’t come (couldn’t get a sitter). After winning tickets to Day 1, I figured I might as well do both days, so my brother-in-law’s girlfriend—shoutout Keri, hope this makes up for me not texting you on your birthday—braved the depths of the Asbury Park Facebook groups to help me complete the weekend.
Pre-tightened would’ve been no good. I have BBWs: big beautiful wrists.
PUT AWAY
Pizza
It’s getting so dark. I can’t always be expected to cook in those conditions. Sometimes you have to just get a pie and call it a day.
Tums for your daily double. The agita is not a joke. The white pie is not a viable long-term option.
American Spirit Dark Greens
It’s bogie weather, and these are the most recent mutation of my oral fixation. Spirits because I need to feel like I’m doing a little something in the right direction, menthol to keep me in touch with my Staten Island roots.
Fuck your vape.
SCREENS & SCRIBBLES
Ted Lasso
Sometimes you just want fun for the whole family. Nothing too complicated—you get a nice laugh and you move on. I’m pretty much a TV dictator in my house; I need the big screen after a day of smaller screens. We both like this one. Also kinda chill to be watching something week by week instead of gorging.
U.S. Open
Being super invested in the four tennis majors and not watching at any other point of the year is important to me. I mean, is anything better than watching tennis from noon to 3 a.m.?
Angel Down
Angel Down is currently sitting with my glasses on it.
I will get there.
EAR STUFF
Fontaines D.C.
I’m doing a new band. This is them. I saw them at Sea.Hear.Now, and it takes a lot for me to listen to someone new. They did the thing.
Side note: my Adidas Wales Bonners basically got ruined from wearing them on a soaked beach. This is why I don’t listen to new music. Drop a white shoe rec before I buy Margiela GATs.
Articles of Interest — GEAR
I’m gonna say this makes up for the not reading. I did PREP last year. Now it was time to take on GEAR. I’m really honing my craft here, listening to all that good GORP and Banana Republic lore.
ALREADY OVER
Dry Skin
Whenever the seasons change, I’m cooked. I can oil myself up like a chicken cutlet and I’m still just a flaky bastard. It’s embarrassing. Lotion and a lint roller for the dad bag.
COVETING
Alex Mill Perfect Weekend Tote
I was gonna buy this, but the brown was sold out. I wrestled with the other colors, but if this is going to be the bag I bring my child to the park with, I want it to be the one I want. A man can only compromise on so much. As I patiently wait for it to come back in stock, I will continue to covet.
-SP
Graduate from your adidas and get some tigers
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